Law School Building Project Receives $250,000 Gift

St. Louis law firm Lewis, Rice and Fingersh, L.C., has committed the funds in memory of their late chairman, John K. Pruellage.

John K. Pruellage served as chairman of Lewis, Rice and Fingersh for 22 years. Courtesy photo

Lewis, Rice and Fingersh, L.C., has committed $250,000 to bringing Saint Louis University's School of Law into the heart of the legal community in the City of St. Louis.

The University is planning to transform a donated building in downtown St. Louis into a state-of-the-art educational facility.

The law school's future home, located at 100 N. Tucker Blvd., is next to the Civil Courts Building and within walking distance of the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse and many of the region's top law firms, including Lewis Rice.

"For more than a century, Lewis Rice has served its clients with exemplary service and a deep commitment to integrity and professionalism," said University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. "The firm has truly distinguished itself as a leader in our St. Louis community, and Saint Louis University is proud to have Lewis Rice as a partner on this important project."

Lewis Rice made the gift in memory of the late John K. Pruellage Sr., who spent his entire 42-year legal career with the practice, including serving as the firm's chairman for 22 years.

A SLU alumnus and former trustee, Pruellage recently left $1.1 million for the law school building project in his estate. It was his hope that his leadership gift would inspire others to support the historic move.

"We are pleased to support this exciting development for Saint Louis University's School of Law and at the same time do so in the memory of our longtime chairman, Jack Pruellage," said Thomas C. Erb, chairman of Lewis Rice. "Jack was a strong supporter of the University, and he was particularly excited about the prospect of the law school moving downtown. Jack would be proud to see this latest chapter of Father Biondi's transformative vision for the University becoming a reality."

Many University graduates have gone on to work at Lewis Rice over the years, and 45 of the firm's current attorneys are Saint Louis University School of Law alumni.

More about the Law School Building ProjectWith more than 1,100 law students, faculty and staff, the move will make SLU the largest educational institution in downtown St. Louis and represents another major economic investment in the city.

The building was donated earlier this year by St. Louis businessman Joe Scott and his wife, Loretta, and will be known as the Joe and Loretta Scott Law Center. Major construction is expected to begin in October, and the anticipated move-in date is August 2013.

Fundraising is under way for renovations that include a 300-seat courtroom, large classrooms, offices for the school's legal clinics, student study spaces and more.

Those who wish to make a gift to the John K. Pruellage Memorial Fund to support the SLU Law Building Transformation Campaign at Saint Louis University should contact the office of University Advancement at 314-977-2849. Gifts also can be mailed to:

About Lewis, Rice and FingershThroughout its history, Lewis Rice attorneys have made excellence the foundation of their practice. Founded in 1909, a century of service has given the firm the experience, resources and tools to serve the dynamic needs of its clients. Its diverse team of more than 150 attorneys provides counsel and solutions for the challenges facing local, regional and national businesses, as well as individuals and families. The firm has offices in St. Louis and Kansas City, and elsewhere in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas.

About Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 14,000 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Through teaching, research, health care and community service, Saint Louis University has provided one-of-a-kind education, leadership and service for nearly two centuries.